For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to the house of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to the house of their fathers, have received their inheritance; and half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance:

NUMBERS 34:14KJV
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Numbers 34:14 (KJV)

What does Numbers 34:14 mean?

Numbers 34:14 states that the tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half the tribe of Manasseh, have already received their share of land as an inheritance. This verse highlights that these specific groups were given their territory before the rest of Israel received theirs.

In context, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan. The verse refers to an earlier agreement where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh chose to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, outside the main boundaries of Canaan, because the land suited their needs. This sets the stage for dividing the remaining land among the other tribes.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 34:14

  • "tribe" (מַטֶּה, matteh): This word means a branch or staff and is often used for a tribe or clan in Israel. It emphasizes the family-based structure of Israelite society.
  • "received" (לָקַח, laqach): This verb means to take or receive. Here, it points out that these tribes have already taken possession of their inheritance, marking a completed action.
  • "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This word refers to a portion of land passed down or allotted, highlighting the idea of a permanent family possession, not just a temporary grant.

Why Numbers 34:14 matters

  • This verse clears up which tribes had already received their land, helping readers understand why only the remaining tribes are mentioned in the land division that follows.
  • It emphasizes that the inheritance of land was not random but based on prior agreements and family needs, showing careful organization in Israel’s settlement.
  • Numbers 34:14 connects back to earlier chapters where the request and agreement for land east of the Jordan were made, tying the narrative together and showing the fulfillment of those arrangements.

Where else these words appear

“Gad” Hebrew H1425 · used in 16 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:12 And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.
  • Joshua 12:6 Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.

“Reuben” Hebrew H7206 · used in 17 verses

  • Numbers 26:7 These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty.
  • Joshua 1:12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,
  • 1 Chronicles 5:6 Beerah his son, whom Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites.

“half” Hebrew H2677 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
  • Joshua 14:2 By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:31 And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.

“Manasseh” Hebrew H4519 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
  • Joshua 17:6 Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.